{"id":15762,"date":"2021-04-30T10:01:38","date_gmt":"2021-04-30T10:01:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.securesiteuk.co.uk\/?p=15762"},"modified":"2021-08-02T15:16:18","modified_gmt":"2021-08-02T15:16:18","slug":"vacant-property-security-steel-vs-plywood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.securesiteuk.co.uk\/vacant-property-security-steel-vs-plywood\/","title":{"rendered":"Vacant Property Security: Steel Vs Plywood"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019re a property owner or manager, it\u2019s realistic to think that, at some point, your property will become vacant for an extended period of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And one of the best ways to safeguard your vacant property is by blocking off any entry points that may be accessed by vandals, thieves and squatters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blocking these entry points is commonly referred to as \u2018boarding up\u2019<\/a>, regardless of whether your chosen material is, in fact, wooden board. Nowadays, you also have the option of utilising steel security screens instead of timber or plywood boards\/OSB (Oriented Strand Board) \u2013 which can present numerous security benefits for your vacant property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this post, we compare the two: steel and plywood, to help aid your decision process for selecting the appropriate security provision for your empty property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on to find out more\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steel Vs Plywood For Your Empty Property: The Question Of Cost<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Vacant<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Yes, plywood may have a cheaper upfront cost*.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But does it mean that plywood is the most cost-effective option?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You won\u2019t be surprised to hear that plywood boards just aren\u2019t as strong as steel screens, obviously making your property much more vulnerable to break-ins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At this point, you should question,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How much would a break-in cost me?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cost of damage and repairs may far outweigh the additional cost of steel screens. Vandalism in the way of arson, wastage through continued squatter usage, damage to fixed appliances, the list goes on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you own a vacant commercial <\/strong>property such as a shop, for example, the potential for damage \u2013 and costs associated with this \u2013 increases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*You may be surprised to know that steel isn\u2019t much more expensive than plywood. Talk to us about pricing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Steel Vs Plywood For Your Void Property: Fixing Methods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a>
This is how it should be done. Solid steel cut to size and fitted with anti-tamper fixings.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The effectiveness of your \u2018boarding up\u2019 method \u2013 whether steel or plywood \u2013 will rely largely on the way in which it\u2019s fixed to a door\/window frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plywood will most-likely be screwed into the frame using standard Philips-head screws. As you can imagine, this makes it easy for intruders to remove the boarding via standard methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In contrast, steel screens are fixed in place with anti-tamper screws  \u2013 making it impossible to unscrew via an \u2018off-the-shelf\u2019 screwdriver or drill. This method is commonly referred to as \u2018anti-tamper fixings\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steel Vs Plywood For Your Vacant Property: Material Properties<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When you pit them against each other, steel possesses far stronger material properties. Constructed with 1.5mm thick steel \u2013 and made to measure \u2013 your property will benefit from virtually impenetrable seals, meaning it is far less likely to be subjected to the risks highlighted above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s not forget that wood is also highly combustible. Each year in the UK, there are around 9,000 fires in unoccupied buildings, which suggests that wood may not be the best material to utilise when securing your vacant property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In contrast, steel is a non-combustible material. It won\u2019t add or aid a fire in your vacant property \u2013 making the chances of damage by fire far less likely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No fire damage = increased savings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Empty Property Security: Steel Vs Plywood\/OSB At A Glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To give you a clear comparison, we\u2019ve highlighted some key points to consider when deciding between steel and plywood\/OSB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steel Screens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. Solid and impenetrable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Gives the strong message that the building\u2019s security has not been compromised \u2013 especially when warning signage is also fitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Galvanised steel screens do not degrade or discolour in adverse weather conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Anti-tamper fixings, which cannot be removed by anyone with a screwdriver – once they\u2019re on, they stay on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Perforated, galvanised steel window security screens maintain ventilation throughout the property and allow plenty of light in to aid inspections and safe viewings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Combined, this makes for a very happy insurance company.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plywood\/OSB<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. Can be damaged, removed or set on fire<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Looks like security has been taken less seriously and is more appealing to criminals as a result \u2013 and warning signs just add insult to injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Plywood and OSB degrades over time and can warp\/weaken in adverse weather conditions \u2013 and it doesn\u2019t look great when it\u2019s brand new either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Wood is usually fitted with Philips screws or hex bolts \u2013 enabling anyone with a screwdriver or spanner to remove it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. No perforated options for safe ventilation or viewing\/inspection light sources – although criminals can make holes with tools or their boots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Combined, this makes for a very nervous insurance company.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ve probably noticed that this post is a little biased \u2013 but we make no apologies for this. When it comes to security for your vacant property, steel wins every time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steel wins, criminals (and plywood) lose.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019d like to discuss your vacant property with a trusted advisor here at Secure Site UK, don\u2019t hesitate to get in touch today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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